Raghvan was ready to pay the amount (Rs 87.5 lakh, the total cost of the flat), in white and a specific percentage of the amount to the Income Tax Department.

Later, however, he refused to pay an advance of around Rs 16 lakh. He also refused to pay the percentage to the Income Tax department. “I sent an email to Raghvan stating that I was ready to return the booking amount with interest (Rs 16.5 lakh),” said Pathak.

On September 22, Sawant called Pathak and asked to come to the police station as he had received a complaint from Raghvan. Pathak approached some senior police officers but did not receive help. On September 24, he filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against Sawant and Raghvan.

“Raghvan had misguided me. I had called Pathak at the police station, where I saw his papers. I never demanded any commission or fee,” said Sawant. “I had approached the commissioner of police, not Sawant. Pathak is a criminal,” said Raghvan.